There's alot to do on one of these strips. Multiple applications of a proper stripper for latex paint. Going after it with just Sodium Hydroxide will get results,..but it will take more work than charging the customer for the purchase of the proper product. It will need sanded no matter what method you use to remove that solid paint/stain. Because the attacking nature of the stripper will also attack the wood underneath. Definitely charge enough.

Hot water will help in a strip like this.

I personally do not do this in depth deck stripping on solid stains or paints,..simply because the little I've messed with it over the years I could see the amount of work it would entail,..and my rate for that would be cheaper for the customer to put up a new deck. I know from years past and seeing and reading about this being done it's alot of work. Very hot chemicals and alot of sanding either way,.not to mention the mess.

I'm not saying it can't be done,..but account for all the work involved,..and until you're really comfortable knowing what to mix up to remove this type of stain just go buy the proper products,..don't price it just to get the work,..you'll regret it.

*Do a test area to see where you're at with it and go from there. May be simpler than it looks,..and is why you do test spots on this type work. So you know how to price it!

To add to Jeff, If it has solid or semi-solid stain it's tough to get all the color off. Best bet to recoat with a semi-solid of similar color or darker. If they want a natural look walk away it's not going to happen. Even if you sand there are too many areas you just won't get. Recently used DuckBack Deck & Dock high build sold solid coating with great results. If they are OK with just a solid color change then just wash well and recoat as long as there is no peeling.

-- Edited by Maverick Contracting on Thursday 26th of January 2017 03:28:05 PM

Hey Maverick,..Ha,Ha,..you said it more plainly than I did,.."just walk away" is GREAT advice ,...I was trying to be polite,..But,...you were being real,..and honest! And it speaks volumes of experience!!

Hahaha!!! Thanks guys Just walk away is what I am gonna do....LoL....We told the home owner we would gladly clean the deck with our PW to remove the loose paint but we are not in the business of paint removal.

Good advice from DECKSTAINHELP.COM :
I'll just add that scrubbing, agitating helps a lot

"Prior to staining a wood deck it is necessary to properly clean the wood for the best results. Removing all the dirt, mold, mildew, and graying will help the new deck stain to penetrate better and last longer.

When dealing with a deck that has an old failing deck stain on it, a simple wood cleaning is not enough. In this case a deck stain stripper must be used to emulsify and soften the old stain so it can be removed more easily. Wood stain strippers are more aggressive than a typical wood cleaner.

Some of the best deck stain strippers that we have found contain a mixture of Sodium Hydroxide and other surfactants and typically come in a concentrated powder formula. Once mixed with water they can be applied using a pump sprayer.

Best Deck Strippers Tested To Date:

Restore-A-Deck Stripper Review
Defy Stain Stripper Review
HD80 Stripper Review
To get the best results using a wood stain stripper you need to let the product dwell for several minutes after applying it to the wood. This allows the stain stripper to penetrate and breakdown the old stain. The amount of dwell time depends on the type of existing stain. For instance most semi-transparent oil based stains will remove more easily than a semi-solid deck stain.

For hard to remove stains such as acrylic or silicone based stains, several applications and longer dwell times may be necessary. In extreme cases when dealing with a solid deck stain or paint, some sanding may be needed to fully remove the existing stain.

Once the failing deck stain seems to have been softened it is best removed with a power washer using light to moderate pressure. The caustic stripper will raise the pH level of the wood during the stripping process causing it to appear very dark. Following the stripping process with an application of wood deck brightener will restore the pH and brighten the wood. This brightening process should not be skipped. It is a crucial step to getting optimal results from the new deck stain and a more natural appearance.

Using a quality wood deck stain stripper will give you the best chance of removing the existing deck stain. Once the old stain is gone the new deck stain can fully penetrate the wood for maximum protection and lasting results"